Alarming trends in suicide rates among Nigerian men have raised significant concerns among mental health professionals, as psychiatrists highlight the multifaceted factors contributing to this disturbing phenomenon.
In a recent exclusive interview Experts shed light on the complex interplay of economic stress, societal expectations, and limited mental health services that have led to an underreported and underdocumented rise in suicides.
The absence of a comprehensive vital statistics system in Nigeria has compounded the challenge of accurately assessing the gravity of the situation.
Psychiatrists emphasize that social isolation, economic stress, and reduced access to mental health services are key contributors to the growing problem.
The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the severity of the global suicide epidemic, revealing that more people die each year from suicide than from HIV, malaria, breast cancer, war, and homicide combined.
WHO data indicates that more than twice as many males die due to suicide as females, emphasizing the urgent need to address this pervasive issue.
The psychiatrists interviewed emphasize the detrimental impact of increased economic pressure on the mental health of Nigerian men.
Unfavorable government policies, a rise in unemployment, and escalating living costs collectively contribute to a sense of hopelessness and despair.
The societal expectation that men should be strong, stoic, and self-reliant further exacerbates the issue, discouraging them from seeking help or expressing their emotions.
Dr. Kehinde Oderinde, a Consultant Drug Addiction Psychiatrist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, underscores the multifaceted nature of suicide.
He explains that mental health conditions, economic challenges, and relationship problems all contribute to the risk of suicide. Additionally, traditional gender roles and societal standards inhibit men from seeking support, creating a complex web of factors that increase vulnerability.
To address the rising suicide rates, mental health experts advocate for collaborative efforts among government agencies, media practitioners, non-profit organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders.
Tailored suicide prevention strategies, informed by research initiatives, are essential to effectively tackle the root causes of this crisis.
Dr. Joy Orjinta, a Consultant Psychiatrist, emphasizes the need to destigmatize mental health issues and make mental health services more accessible, particularly for men. Recognizing warning signs of suicide, promoting healthy coping mechanisms, and creating safe spaces for open conversations are crucial steps in breaking the culture of silence surrounding mental health.
A study titled ‘Suicide in Nigeria: A Review of the Literature’ underscores the disproportionate impact on men, attributing over 80% of all suicides to cultural factors, stigma surrounding mental health, and societal pressures.
The study recommends increasing awareness, improving access to mental health services, and establishing crisis helplines as critical components of suicide prevention programs.
As mental health advocates call for systemic changes, the imperative remains to foster an environment where men feel empowered to prioritize their mental well-being.
The journey towards addressing rising suicide rates requires a collective commitment from individuals, communities, and institutions to reshape cultural norms and provide comprehensive mental health support.
The conversation around mental health, when normalized and destigmatized, becomes a powerful tool in saving lives and ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all.
